A Look at the New Mail Changes in iOS 5

Mail for iOS has become better, more streamlined, and even includes the ability to format text. Continuing our iOS 5 coverage, we’ll show you exactly how to use and take advantages of Mail's new features.

1. Text Formatting and Indents

When creating a new email message, you are able to format text using bold, italic, or underlined fonts. You are also able to create indents in the text.

In order to access these features, select a the text that you wish to apply formatting to, and then tap the right-pointing arrow to access the additional menu items.

Tap on the BIU button in order to apply bold, italic, or underline formatting to the text.

To apply an indention, tap on the Quote Level button, and then select either Increase or Decrease in order to increase or decrease the quote (indention) level.

2. Flagging and Marking Messages

Now when you flag and mark mail, you'll also see new features. Tap on the Mark button once you have selected one or more messages using the Edit feature.

After tapping on this button, you will be presented with two options: Flag or Mark As Read/Unread.

Tapping on the Flag button will flag the message in your Inbox, which will also flag the item on your Desktop (if you use IMAP, and depending on your email provider). Tapping on the Mark as Read/Unread will change the state of the message, making it appear as read or unread. This feature has been around for a while, but not in the multiple-edit feature of Mail.

3. Rearranging Names in Address Field

One of the smaller shortcomings in iOS's Mail application has been the inability to rearrange names in the address field. The names would simply be stuck in the order that you entered them in mail. Well, this is no more.

When adding addresses to the To, CC, or BCC fields in Mail, simply tap and hold on the name, and move it around to any field, or in any order you wish.

4. Add and Delete Mailbox Folders

You now have the ability to add and remove Mailbox folders on-the-fly. Simply navigate to any of your email accounts, and tap on the Edit button in the upper, right-hand corner of the screen.

To create a new folder, tap on the “New Folder” button in the lower, right-hand corner of the screen. This will take you to a new screen to enter the name of the new folder.

To rename or delete an exiting folder, just tap on it after tapping the Edit button. You will be presented with a screen that will let you edit the name of the folder, change the location, or delete it entirely.

5. Search Body of Messages

iOS 5’s Mail now has the ability to search through the body of email messages, providing better email search results. When searching, tap on the “All” field to search all parts of the email message.